Search form

Support for former detainees

Samphire: The Ex Detainee Project

This project is run by Samphire (formerly Dover Detainee Visitors Group). It is a national project to help those leaving detention access information, advice and support on various issues: healthcare, housing, welfare, and housing.

The project can:

Provide advice: they have a telephone helpline for ex detainees to call for support

Help you access further services: they can signpost you to other sources of support such as legal representation and healthcare in your area

Help with travel expenses: for example to reporting centres or to see the doctor

Provide emergency support: they can help you with emergency accommodation or food vouchers, or clothes

Freed Voices

Freed Voices are a group of experts-by-experience committed to speaking out about the realities of immigration detention in the UK and calling for reform.

As a group with a strong and authentic voice demanding detention reform, Freed Voices has a significant positive impact on how immigration detention is talked about and has managed to attract an increased sense of political urgency for reform, building momentum for change.

Life After Detention(LAD) Project - Scotland.

The Life After Detention group are a group of experts by experience with first hand experience of the detention system. The group provides peer support, casework and a space for creative activity. They have published writing on SDV’s website, and have performed their work at SDV events, including at SDV’s joint meeting at the Scottish Parliament with UNHCR, Detention Action and the Detention Forum.

NACCOM Project

NACCOM is a national network of members preventing destitution amongst asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants.

It exists to promote best practice in, and support the establishment of, accommodation projects that reduce destitution amongst asylum seekers. In addition, they may also support migrants with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) and / or refugees facing barriers to accessing affordable housing.

This organisation may be able to help detainees who are refused asylum seekers and need an address to be released to, if it means getting out of detention.

NHS 111

In a non-emergency, for medical care, you can call the NHS by dialling 111.

This is available nationwide, for illnesses and minor injuries where life isn't threatened, but you would like some advice on what to do next.

Calls are free!

Samaritans

This is a nationwide network of volunteers, all carefully trained to listen to anyone in need, and they will listen to you regardless of your background, faiths, and beliefs. People who are going through a difficult time are able to access their service round the clock, every single day of the year.

Whatever you are going through, call Samaritans any time, from any phone on 116 123.